Summer Hunter Education Newsletter A Pretty Good Read

I came across an interesting publication from the NCWRC, Hunter Education Newsletter, that is available for free on line. A great article on the young lady from Lenoir who won the national “One Shot Turkey Hunt Essay Contest” this past year at the NWTF Convention. They also have a number of photos and the results of this year’s Hunter Education skills competition that is worth checking out. The target audience is hunter educators but I think many others will find the newsletter pretty interesting as well.

“Survivor Camp” Lives Up To It’s Name

Local church youth group looking for a challenging activity for their youth may have gotten more than they bargained for when local, state and federal agencies were called in to rescue them. The Living Word Church youth group was on a “Survivor Camp” guided trip with God’s Country Outfitters on the Uhwarrie River when rapid rising water seperated a number of the 24 youth and 6 adults on the outing. According to the 911 call wghp-mp3-low-water-rescue-911-090618,0,1713170.mp3file 9 boys were missing for an hour and possible in the water.

Morton said authorities were called at 12:16 p.m. and told that between 22 and 30 people were in the water and in need of rescue. It was not raining at the time, and heavy rain had not been reported today in the region. But heavy rain has fallen in much of North Carolina in recent days.
Randolph County Emergency Management officials say seven people were rescued from the river on N.C. 109 at Reservation Road, several hundred yards from the bridge.
It is not clear how far the other boaters had drifted when they were rescued.
Morton said Montgomery County has set up an Emergency Operations Center near the site and asked for the N.C. Highway Patrol to provide its helicopter in the search. A pair of Army Blackhawk helicopters involved in a training exercise nearby also was called in, according to emergency radio reports.

N&O

While this could have had a very tragic ending it is good to see that everyone is accounted for and all right. I have to wonder after looking at the Church’s website and seeing the name and the description of this camp if it was somewhat prophetic.

Survivor Camp 5th – 7th grade students
In the Uhwarrie National Forest, God’s Country Outfitters are waiting to take you on a 3 day journey known as the Survivor Challenge. Combining outdoor adventures with Bible studies, the Survivor Challenge is a chance for you to open your eyes to the many ways God prepares you and partners with you. You will overcome your fears through physical challenges, build community through group activities, and grow in confidence to do God’s work.

The Living Word Church

I hope they overcame their fears but I suspect this outing could lead to some PTSD but let’s hope not.

Town of Summerfield Added to Community Fishing Program

Photo courtesy of NCWRC

A partnership between the town of Summerfield and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission means more fishing opportunities especially for children and mobility impaired adults.

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission recently partnered with the town of Summerfield to construct a universally accessible fishing pier on School House Lake located in Summerfield Community Park in Guilford County.
The floating, T-shaped, pier features an 8-foot wide walkway and extends 59 feet into the water, ending with an 11’ x 48’ platform. The pier also features three benches and incorporates seven low handrail sections to make it easier for children and wheelchair-bound anglers to cast their lines. To facilitate easier access to the pier from the nearby parking area, the Commission and Summerfield will install a concrete sidewalk this summer.
Anglers fishing School House Lake can reel in largemouth bass, crappie and assorted sunfish from the lake’s 5.5 acres. In late May, the Commission will stock 200 catchable-sized channel catfish in the lake to complement the new fishing pier and to support a kids’ fishing event that Summerfield will hold on June 13. The Commission is also donating fishing grab bags for the children attending the June fishing event.
“We are very excited about providing a new recreational activity to our town park,” said Michael Brandt, town manager. “Being able to offer a fishing program to the community is a great way to introduce children to the joy of fishing; it teaches a life-long recreational activity that encourages kids to be outside surrounded by nature.”
Construction of the pier was funded through the Commission’s Community Fishing Program, a cooperative venture between the Wildlife Resources Commission and local governments to provide more fishing opportunities in city and county parks. Program expenses are cost shared with local cooperators, such as Summerfield Parks and Recreation, with the Commission providing 75 percent of the operating funds through the Sport Fish Restoration Program, and local cooperators paying the remaining 25 percent.
The universally accessible pier is part of Summerfield’s effort to expand the park and improve recreational opportunities for the community. The park includes a playground, restroom facilities, picnic areas and more than a mile of paved and unpaved trails leading around the lake.

This is a great program and there are many community fishing sites across the state. Many of them even have equipment you can borrow. So take a kid fishing.

A Reminder For All Of Us On The Eve Of Youth Day

Tomorrow across the state of North Carolina youngsters will get the first crack at a spring gobbler. Turkey hunting is very safe as long as everyone follows some basic safety rules. I found these on Kansas Wildlife but they are good rules for all of us to remember.

Keeping one simple fact in mind should help prevent accidents: be sure of your target before you shoot. Only bearded turkeys may be taken in the spring, so positive identification is the key. In addition, take only clear shots, never walk through the woods calling, and never gobble. Another good tip is to wear hunter orange while moving.
Other safety measures that can help ensure a safe turkey hunt include the following:
• if you wear camouflage, cover your entire body, including face and hands, and never wear the colors red, white or blue, which appear on a turkey’s head;
• always set up to call in a fairly open area with good visibility in every direction, with your back against a tree or other object that is wider than your shoulders;
• when hunting with companions, be sure of everyone’s location;
• attempting to sneak up on a turkey can lead to accidents;
• never assume that you are alone in the woods, even if you are the only one with permission to hunt the land;
• assume that every sound you hear is made by another hunter;
• you must see the whole bird to determine whether it is safe and legal to shoot; and
• if you see another hunter approaching, remain still and yell or whistle. Never wave, use a turkey call, or stand up.

In North Carolina it is legal to take a beardless gobbler but please be sure of your target before shooting. Better to pass up a questionable shot rather than taking it and regretting or worse yet hurting someone. I don’t have a youngster to take out this year but I wish all the kids best of luck.

Summer Camp Plans? How About an Opportunity To Send A Kid For Free?

The snow the beginning of the week and 70’s and sun to end the week has gotten me thinking about summer. As a kid I loved to spend a week or two at camp shooting guns, archery, swimming and hanging out with my friends. Well now I go to hunt camp but for the kids I’m sure that summer camp is something many look forward to.
The 27 annual Fur Fish n Game Rendezvous, a weeklong camp, will take place this summer.

What is the Rendezvous?
Entering it’s 27th year, the Rendezvous is an opportunity for youth to earn their hunter safety certification, study natural resources, create an ourdoor ethic, and learn outdoor recreation skills.
The week-long residential camp is for boys and girls ages 12-15, and held at Millstone 4-H Center, in the beautiful sandhills gamelands. Campers learn firearm safety and shooting skills from hunter education officers. Other activities include: falconry, bird dogs, trapping, wildlife identification, taxidermy, first aid, canoeing, fishing, a low-ropes course, swimming, and much more! Those that have already attended the beginning Rendezvous, or already have their hunter safety certification, can apply for the the Adavanced Rendezvous. During the Adavanced track, campers will learn more about being a wildlife and fisheries biologist. Advanced activites include trapping, wildlife surveys, wildgame cooking, and fish surveys. For more information, please call Renee Strnad, NC Cooperative Extension, at 919-515-5518. Questions regarding registration and fees may be directed to the State 4-H Camping Office, at 919-515-8471.

Ok I’ll admit if I was a few years younger I’d want to go to this camp. It sounds like a great week filled with a lot of opportunities to learn more about the natural world around us. Now a program like this is not cheap and the cost of the camp is $325. With the economy the way it is right now I’m sure for many families that this is something they can’t afford. Well hang on I’ve discovered an organization that is giving out 36 full scholarships to this year’s camp.
The Wake County Wildlife Club will be using some of the money they raise at the Dixie Deer Classic to offer these scholarships.

The Wake County Wildlife Club uses the money it raises from the Dixie Deer Classic to support the resources and for education. One of our projects is to send 36 campers to the annual Fur, Fish, and Game Rendezvous in Ellerbe. Kids 12-15 years old are eligible. They will take the NC Hunter Safety Course and be exposed to a number of hunting and outdoor related activities. If you have or know of a boy or girl who would like to attend this camp please go by the Wake Co. Wildlife Club Hunter Safety Booth at the Dixie Deer Classic and get them registered. This camp would cost you $325.00 if you sending them yourself. It’s a great experience for the kids.

Now when I heard about this I had to do a little bit of checking because it seemed to be too good to be true but it is on the up and up. I was totally unaware that parts of the money raised during the Dixie Deer Classic went to such a worthwhile cause. Additionally I asked about how the scholarships were awarded;

we pay for all 36 slots , whether we fill them or not. We fill them first come first serve. Some years we only have a few names submitted by members or registered at the DDC in which case the FF&G folks ( 4H extension, etc.) fill those spaces.

Well the Dixie Deer Classic is this weekend so stop by their booth to get your youngster signed up. I’m sure if these slots get filled and there is still space at the camp and someone wants to go there are other civic organizations and sportsmen groups that will step up to help. For the rest of us who wondered what our entrance fee to the classic got used for now we know. A tip of the hat to the Wake County Wildlife Club.

Youth Wildlife Art Contest Part of This Year’s Dixie Deer Classic

A new feature for this year’s Dixie Deer Classic is a Youth Wildlife Art contest sponsored by North Carolina Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation. With about a month to go before the deadline there is plenty of time for the kids to create some great stuff.

Contestants may create their entry using any of the following: paint, crayon, or pencil. Entries can either be in black and white or color. The choice will be up to the contestant.
The subject matter may be any form of wildlife.
Size needs to be at least 8″x10″ and no larger than 16″ x22″. No tracing or help from parents.
All entries should be on drawing paper, poster board or mat board. Entries on notebook paper will not be judged!

Age Groups
Group A: Ages 6-8
Group B: Ages 9-11
Group C: Ages 12-14
Group D: Ages 15-17

There does not appear to be any requirements for contestants to reside in North Carolina so send those drawings in. Here is the information for the contest.

Should We Change Turkey Season?

Some of the most controversial proposals being discussed in this years public hearings is to eliminate the youth day and to open the season even earlier that flies in the recommendations the biological staff have made. The fact is our season currently opens two weeks to early as it is set now. To ensure a good flock you want to hunt the gobblers after they have bred the hens not prior to. This is not the first time this proposal has been put forward it seems to come up every year it is time to table this proposal for good. District 5 hearing there was not a single comment made in support of this but many in opposition. From the other hearings I’m being told the opposition from turkey hunters is strong. The N&O’s take on the hearing;

What is sticking in the craw of turkey hunters and turkey biologists are proposals H14 and H15. H14 replaces the traditional Youth Only Wild Turkey Day (youth accompanied by an adult hunter) which has been held a week before the opening of the regular season with a Friends and Family Afield Wild Turkey Day (adult hunter accompanied by anyone) that would be held the first Saturday in April. Shooting hours would end at 1 p.m. that day with a limit of one-bearded (male) bird.

Proposal H15 would open Spring Wild Turkey Season the day after Friends and Family Afield (if the bowhunting-on-Sunday proposals H26 and H27 pass) and would end shooting hours at 1 p.m. the first week. The first week would have a one-tom limit.

Biologists maintain that an earlier start will be detrimental to turkey populations (killing toms before hens are bred and accidental killing hens close to toms), and many hunters agree. Those are the same hunters who see their opening week hunting time cut in half and perhaps vacation days wasted.

Dowd Bruton, a senior regional wildlife biologist with the National Wild Turkey Federation, sent me documents stating that in 2005, 89 percent of hunters commenting at the commission’s public hearings were opposed to an earlier opening. In 2006, the number was 92 percent. In 2007, it was 92.5 percent.

The best thing that could happen is to leave the youth day alone and to protect our young flock by not moving the opening day up. Public comments can be made at a public hearing or online so please speak out.

A Lot of Quality Bucks Tagged This Year?

Cade Harrill of Salisbury bagged his first deer while hunting with his dad.

The Salisbury Post reporting on the deer season that just ended as a good one at least based on their review of local bragging boards.

Local check stations reported good numbers of deer brought in. Hill’s Minnow Farm in eastern Rowan County had the most checked in at more than 400. A quick view of pictures of successful hunters at many local sporting good stores confirms — and most hunters agree — that the quality of bucks seems to be increasing throughout the area.

The number of mature bucks with racks over 16 inches wide and with eight points or more seem to be more common than in years past. Most hunters agree that the two-buck limit is one of the more successful regulations that have directly impacted local deer herds.

Many hunters also enjoyed the opportunity to harvest additional antlerless deer by taking advantage of the bonus antlerless deer tags that were available in many portions of the state.

I think the 2 buck limit is working and one only has to look at what deer heads get brought into the Dixie Deer Classic every year.

Young People Getting It Done In The Deer Woods

Today’s edition of the News & Observer had a great story about the success some young folks are having in the North Carolina Woods.

Ean Karpinski with his buck

Ean’s 150-grain Remington Cor-Lokt bullet found its mark, and the pair celebrated. The buck was rough-scored using the Boone & Crockett method by David Clark of Clark’s Taxidermy in Garner. It tallied 140 6/8 B & C, an impressive buck by any standard.

Tyler Hickman with his buck

The two waited 10 minutes for the buck to turn broadside. When the buck turned, Tyler squeezed the trigger on his Marlin 336 .30-30, and 65 yards away, the deer fell.

“He stood up and started hollerin’, ” said David Hickman of Tyler’s reaction. “I told him to take it easy. He was running top speed across the soybean field. I walked up to it and made sure it was dead. I counted 23 points.”

the Hickmans took it to Russell Avery of Avery’s Taxidermy in Clayton. Hickman said the rack had been rough-scored by two different people and they had gotten 185 and 187.

Avery, is Pope & Young Club’s certified scorer.

What a couple of nice bucks Congratulations to these young hunters. Do go and read the full story out at the N&O. Also a tip of the hat to the N&O to the commitment of reporting outdoor news and stories like these about young folks in a day and age when many newspapers have long ago abandoned the outdoors.

Free Wildlife Expo In Raleigh for National Hunting & Fishing Day

In conjunction with National Hunting and Fishing Day the Wildlife Education Center on North Carolina State University Centennial Campus will hold a day long events this Saturday.

From 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. there will be programs, demonstrations and activities, along with free parking, and some added events:
• Eugene Hester, wildlife biologist and photographer
Learn about wildlife photography and how to get that shot.
• Fly-fishing demonstration
Learn to fly-fish, with casting demonstrations and the basics needed to get started.
• Eastern Carolina Hunting Retriever Club
See hunting dogs at work in field conditions.
• Eastern Long Hunter re-enactment
A living history demonstration of how early American mountain men lived.

This sounds like a great event especially if you have some kids interested in the outdoors. Many states are participating in National Hunting and Fishing Day so check to see if similar events are happening in your area.

Story by Dan McLaughlin AKA Moose

Local Team of High School Students Represents North Carolina At Envirothorn

Photo courtesy of Canon Envirothon

If you’re like me you probably never heard of Canon Envirothorn a competition and educational program to teach students about environmental sciences.

The Canon Envirothon is an annual competition in which winning state/provincial teams compete for recognition and scholarships by demonstrating their knowledge of environmental science and natural resource management. The teams, each consisting of five high school-aged students from participating US States and Canadian Provinces, exercise their training and problem-solving skills in a competition centered on four universal testing categories (i.e., soils/land use, aquatic ecology, forestry, and wildlife) and a current environmental issue.

Canon Envirothon

Mike Zlotnicki columnist and outdoor reporter for the N&O has a great story about the team from West Johnston High School that will be leaving soon for the national competition in Arizona.

The students study wildlife, forestry, soils/land use, aquatic ecology and current environmental issues. The Sequoias did pretty well at the state championships, missing only one question out of 125. At the national competition, the youths will practice and study while driving on the way to the five-day competition. At stake are $5,000 scholarships for each team member.

N&O

We wish them safe travels to Arizona and good luck in the national competition.

Story by Dan McLaughlin AKA Moose

2008 Kids Wildlife Art Competition Winners

Jennifer Sieredzki, Clayton
Kindergarten, Age 6
Riverwood Elementary School
Little metalmark butterfly

The Kids Wildlife Art Competition is a story we’ve been following out here and now the art work is posted. After looking at the winning entries along with the honorable mentions I’m glad I wasn’t one of the judges. The art work is great and there is some very talented young people in this state. I hope you check the art work and congratulations to all the winners.

Story by Dan McLaughlin AKA Moose

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